Indonesia empowers Pakistani women

An international internship programme was organised by the Indonesian Embassy in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) in Rawalpindi and All-Pakistan Women Universities Consortium (APWUC) with theme of women empowerment. This is the fourth iteration of the Online Internship Program (OIP) in which students in Pakistan are able to avail knowledge and learning from Indonesian experts and scholars, while benefiting from international exposure and networking opportunities. The current OIP is even more expansive this time around as the Indonesian Embassy is collaborating with the consortium of 18 women universities throughout Pakistan. The OIP 2024 is divided into ten online lecture sessions with the participation of top speakers from Indonesia. It started on May 7 and is set conclude by June 6. The internship was officially opened virtually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy, Ambassador Siti Nugraha Mauludiah. “I appreciate the friendship between the two countries and hope that OIP can encourage the young generation to understand the strong history between Indonesia and Pakistan, then implement it in the current context,” he said in his remarks. Earlier, speaking at the opening ceremony of OIP held at the Fatima Jinnah Women University, the Chargé d' Affaires of Indonesia, Rahmat Hindiarta, underlined the close relations between Indonesia and Pakistan that had been established by the founders of both countries, President Soekarno and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “Now, as the 75th Anniversary of Indonesia-Pakistan Diplomatic Relations approaches, it is time to further develop this excellent relationship through stronger cooperation in relevant areas of mutual interest. For this reason, the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad has set up priorities for Indonesian diplomacy in Pakistan, including the economy and people-to-people contacts. And APWUJ is one of the right partners for the Embassy,” he said. On this occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Dr Uzaira Rafique, and chairperson of the All-Pakistan Women Universities Consortium (APWUC), in her remarks said that APWUC campuses are a free place for Pakistani female students to actualise their potentials. "I invite all participants to seriously pay attention to the sessions to improve understanding on the dynamics of Indonesia and note various elements that are relevant for Pakistan. Hopefully in the future, we can visit Indonesia to learn more about its progress,” she remarked. The first session of OIP started with University of Indonesia, political science faculty member, Dr Chusnul Mariyah’s lecture on "Indonesian Politics : Between Islam and Nationalism." In her lecture, Dr Mariyah highlighted the trends of oligarchy, nepotism and abandoning the merit system in political recruitment within Indonesian domestic politics. She also stressed that democracy cannot be taken for granted, but it must be continuously pursued at all times. “Elections with integrity are very important. (To campaign for it) we need catchy terms, such as halal politics or halal elections”. Addressing hundreds of female students from women universities in Pakistan, Dr Mariyah explained in detail on how to achieve political goals through halal ways. To further strengthen friendly relations between the young generation of the two countries, the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad also showcased the Indonesian medley dances created by Indonesian students at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). FJUW students also showcased their own dancing performances, thereby, enabling cultural exchange and stronger ties. Other speakers part of OIP include Dr Dian Masyita from the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), the Vice Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Angela Tanoesoedibjo and daughters of the Fourth Indonesian President, Alissa Wahid and Yenny Wahid, who are both activists for democracy, pluralism and religious moderation. Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2024.

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